The role of psychology in a number of forensic applications will be considered. The relevance, utility and validity of key psychological research and theory within these applications will be examined. The main areas covered will include, for example, psychological profiling, providing expertise and information for legal purposes, and the role of psychology in managing those who commit violent or sexual offences

Assessment 1 (learning outcome 1): BPS ethics and conduct task on a given case study demonstrating a psychologist’s conduct

This task requires students to apply the BPS ethical conduct principles to a psychologist’s conduct in an expert witness assessment. The task is completed within the expert witness session where these conduct principles are outlined and discussed. The task takes the form of a single paragraph and is available for peer review prior to submission.

Assessment 2 (learning outcomes 2-4): A case study whereby students will select a contemporary case involved in the Criminal Justice System in the UK. They will be expected to apply 2 areas of forensic applications of psychology covered in the course material to the case details (500 words unmarked background information, 1000 words on each of the two marked sections).

Formative assessment
This will take place through class-based activities, independent learning and practice case study activities. Peer and tutor feedback will be offered for activities. Tutor feedback on practice case studies will be available.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (32 hours): A combination of tutor and student-led sessions and independent learning. These sessions will be comprised of a series of interactive lectures, discussions, debates, practical exercises. In class, approximately half of the time will be spent on lectures, and approximately half spent on other activities. During the course of the module students will also be expected to complete a series of tutor guided tasks and investigations, which will form the basis of some of the discussions and debates in class and which will assist in the submitted assessment. Within the scheduled teaching sessions students will also have the opportunity to attend module/assessment drop-in support sessions.

Guided Independent Study (168 hours): The independent learning hours which will consist of a combination of guided further reading material, and completing tasks for session preparation, and for assessment preparation

Reflect on, and apply, acquired knowledge regarding conduct and ethical procedures to topic areas chosen from within the module content
Application
Enquiry
Problem solving
Reflection

Demonstrate detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the major theories at the forefront of applied forensic psychology
Knowledge and Understanding

Effectively communicate the analyses of a case study in applied forensic psychology
Analysis
Application

Communication

4. Select and apply appropriate research paradigms in applied forensic psychology to a range of contemporary issues

Application

VLE package e.g. BlackBoard; Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks; Internet access to relevant websites and online databases; Technology such as media player and Turnitin.

Davies, G.N. & Beech, A.R. (2017). Forensic Psychology: Crime, Justice, Law Interventions (3rd Edition). Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.

Gavin, H. (2018). Criminological and Forensic Psychology (2nd Edition). London: Sage.

Howitt, D. (2018). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (6th Edition). Harlow: Pearson Education.

Shepherd, S.M. & Anthony, T. (2018). Popping the cultural bubble of violence risk assessment tools. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 29(2), 211-220. DOI: 10.1080/14789949.2017.1354055

Shepherd, S. M., & Lewis-Fernandez, R. (2016). Forensic risk assessment and cultural diversity: Contemporary challenges and future directions. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 22(4), 427–438. https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000102

Towl, G. & Crighton, D. (2010). Forensic Psychology. West Sussex: BPS Blackwell.

Have studied PSYCXXX Psychology of Crime and Serious Offending

Following on from previous modules that have looked at the role of psychology in explaining issues within the Crinial Justice System and criminal behaviours, this module focuses on areas of expertise including, for example, psychological profiling, providing expertise and information for legal purposes, and the role of psychology in managing those who commit violent or sexual offences. The role and relevance of key psychological research and theory within these applications will be applied to scenarios, examined and evaluated.